TOWN OF PORTER, NY - Niagara County Sheriffs Deputy Allen Gerhardt is in critical condition at ECMC following an early morning accident in the Town of Porter.

Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour says Deputy Gerhardt was responding to a call from another deputy who needed assistance during a foot chase.

Deputy Gerhardt lost control of his patrol car around 1 a.m. on Lake Road near Ransomville Road. He was taken to ECMC by Mercy Flight.

Sheriff Voutour says Deputy Gerhardt served for a year in Iraq, flying over 300 combat missions as a helicopter pilot.

The man deputies were chasing, 34-year-old Todd Hauser of Ransomville, was arrested. He's been charged with DWI. Sheriff Voutour says he's been in contact with the district attorney and charges related to the accident could be filed as well.